Photo: Atco Records, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Saxophonists · 1934–1971

King Curtis

American saxophonist (1934–1971)

Born: 7 February 1934
Fort Worth
Died: 13 August 1971
Manhattan
Country: United States
Active: 1950–
Record labels: Atlantic Records, Atco Records, King
Discography: 24 albums

Biography

King Curtis was a jazz musician who played saxophone and voice. King Curtis was born on 7 February 1934 in Fort Worth and died on 13 August 1971 in Manhattan. The music is usually filed under soul and rhythm and blues. Record labels: Atlantic Records, Atco Records and King. The discography here lists 24 albums, from “Have Tenor Sax, Will Blow” (1959) to “Live All over the Place” (2018). Honours include Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (2000) and Grammy Awards.

Curtis Ousley (born Curtis Montgomery, February 7, 1934 – August 13, 1971), known professionally as King Curtis, was an American saxophonist who played rhythm and blues, jazz, and rock and roll. A bandleader, band member, and session musician, he was also a musical director and record producer. A master of the instrument, he played tenor, alto, and soprano saxophone. He played riffs and solos on hit singles such as "Respect" by Aretha Franklin (1967), and "Yakety Yak" by the Coasters (1958) and his own "Soul Twist" (1962), "Soul Serenade" (1964), and "Memphis Soul Stew" (1967).

Read the full article on Wikipedia ↗ · From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Discography

Studio and live albums

Have Tenor Sax, Will Blow 1959

Soul Meeting 1960

The New Scene of King Curtis 1960

Arthur Murray's Music for Dancing: The Twist! 1961

Old Gold 1961

Trouble in Mind 1961

Country Soul 1962

Doing the Dixie Twist 1962

Give a Twist Party 1962

It’s Party Time With King Curtis 1962

Sax in Motion 1963

Soul Serenade 1964

Plays the Hits Made Famous by Sam Cooke 1965

Live at Small's Paradise 1966 · Live

That Lovin’ Feeling 1966

Plays the Great Memphis Hits 1967

Sweet Soul 1968

Instant Groove 1969

Get Ready 1970

Live at Fillmore West 1971 · Live

Everybody’s Talkin’ 1972

Blues at Montreux 1973 · Live

Old Gold 2016

Live All over the Place 2018 · Live

Awards

Listen on Spotify

Frequently asked questions

What instrument did King Curtis play?

King Curtis is known for playing saxophone and voice.

When and where was King Curtis born?

King Curtis was born 7 February 1934 in Fort Worth.

What are King Curtis's best-known albums?

Albums in our database include Have Tenor Sax, Will Blow (1959), Soul Meeting (1960), The New Scene of King Curtis (1960), Arthur Murray's Music for Dancing: The Twist! (1961) and Old Gold (1961).

External links

Data compiled from open sources; see the source links below. Spotted an error? Let us know.